2023-12-31-accounts - Monton Unitarian Church

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Monton Unitarian Church CIO (Charity No. 1199569) Monton Green Monton Eccles Manchester M30 9NX

Trustees’ Annual Report for the year 1[st] Jan 2023 to 31[st] Dec 2023

The charity’s purpose is as follows:

To promote a free and inquiring religion through worship of God and the celebration of life, the service of humanity and respect for all creation and the upholding of the Liberal Christian tradition, including by providing a place of worship to serve the community of Monton and Greater Manchester and the surrounding area; and
To benefit the residents of Monton and Greater Manchester and the surrounding area, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race, or political, religious or other opinions, by advancing education and providing facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for residents.

This is an associational Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and its constitution has been approved by the Charity Commission. It was established in summer 2024, and took over the former charities of Monton Church (Unitarian) and Monton Memorial School Trustees on 1[st] January 2023.

Trustees at the time of this report were:

Wendy Donald Irene Hitchcock Rennie McFarlane Colin Morse Lynne Stopani Gloria Taylor Dave Ward-Speers Pam Ward-Speers

New trustees are invited to stand at each AGM, but must already be church members. They must be proposed and seconded by church members. There is also the option for the trustees to co-opt new trustees until the next AGM.

Financial Situation

This was the first year of the CIO, which had seen the assets of both Monton Church (Unitarian) and Monton Memorial Hall Trustees combined into the one new charity. The CIO therefore comprises both properties and the whole graveyard area, and the whole property of Boddan Lodge and the bowling green land. The various bank accounts of the two charities were combined initially into a single bank account – as often happens, this was not a speedy process and there were some hiccups along the way, but we eventually managed it. We know that we now need to set up some savings accounts to protect the significant sum that we are now responsible for, and will action this as soon as possible.

[Partly because of the challenges of being at the start of a new CIO, with new bank accounts to deal with, along with a change of treasurer at just that moment in time, and partly because of situations facing the officers and the minister in their personal lives, we were unable to complete the accounts for 2023, despite our best efforts, until early 2025. We realise that this was unacceptable – and we believe that we are now in a much clearer position to maintain our proper reporting.]

Chairman’s Report on the activities of the year.

Reflecting on the past year, I am delighted to report that 2023 has been another vibrant and fulfilling year for Monton Unitarian Church. Our community has continued to thrive, and we have upheld our commitment to worship, fellowship, and outreach. Throughout the year, we have hosted numerous events, services, and activities that have brought us together in faith and friendship.

Worship and Services

We began the year with a variety of special services, including our St Valentine Service in February, Mothering Sunday in March, and our Easter celebration in April. Our traditional Flower Communion Service in June was a moment of beauty and unity, while the Harvest Service and Gift Day in October allowed us to give thanks and support those in need. In November, we paid tribute to those who have served with our Remembrance Day Service.

The Advent season brought a wonderful sense of warmth and anticipation. Our Toy Service and Faith Meal in December encouraged generosity, while the Christmas Tree Festival filled our church with festive spirit. The Blue Christmas Service provided a space for reflection

and solace, and the Carol and Candlelight Services on Christmas Eve were truly moving. We closed the year with our New Year’s Eve Service, welcoming 2024 with hope and gratitude.

Community Engagement and Social Events

Our regular Open Mic Nights remained a success, providing a welcoming space for musicians and performers to share their talents. The Film Club also continued, offering engaging discussions and entertainment.

We also participated in larger community events, including hosting the Eccles Community Choir Concert in May and the Heritage Open Day in September, which gave visitors an insight into our church’s history and mission. The Monton Festival in July was another opportunity to connect with the wider community. This was particularly important as the council had just handed ownership of Boddan Lodge back to us, and we used the festival to engage with the local public and conduct a questionnaire as to what they would like to see happen in that space. In addition, we hosted several outstanding musical performances, including the Telemann Baroque Ensemble Concert, the Mancunian Singers Concert, and the Monton Voices Concert. December was particularly festive with a special performance by the Eccles Brass Band, adding to the holiday cheer.

Governance and Decision-Making

Our committee meetings have provided an essential platform for discussion and decision-making, ensuring that our church remains wellmanaged and responsive to the needs of our congregation. We held our Annual General Meeting in March, which was particularly poignant as it marked the closing of the original two charities (Monton Church and Monton Memorial Hall) and the launching of the new Monton Unitarian Church Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

In addition, a Boddan Lodge working group was established to begin processing the work that would need to be done – it was clear the building needed to be demolished so that was the first priority, but other groups were looking at fundraising, needs identification and design etc.

Running the Memorial Hall

We are proud to be able to support a thriving community of external organisations by renting out our Memorial Hall, as per the second part

of our Object. Among the groups that use it are franchises such as Slimming World, Soccerstars, Dance Like a Mother and Bloom Toddlers, but also a good number of local community groups such as Monton Bridge Club and Salford Bridge Club, Monton Art Group, Mancunian Singers, Salford Local History Group, a pilates group and our own coffee mornings. We are also home to Monton Village Community Association, who meet in our upstairs room, and who collaborate with us in the running of some community events.

Looking Forward

As we enter 2024, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community. We aim to continue our successful programs while exploring new opportunities for worship, outreach, and fellowship. Thank you to all who have contributed their time, effort, and passion to making Monton Unitarian Church a place of warmth and welcome. With gratitude and optimism, Dave Ward-Speers Chair, Monton Unitarian Church

Receipts & Expenditure Account

Monton Unitarian Church

For the year ended 31 December 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Account 2023
Turnover
Collections 8,642.32
Donation Revenue 14,775.41
Hall Rental 14,294.00
Interest Income 274.31
Rites of Passage 5,311.00
Total Turnover 43,297.04
Cost of Sales
Direct Expenses 1,365.00
Direct Wages 24,680.27
Warden Costs 2,530.00
Gardening 6,515.00
Total Cost of Sales 35,090.27
Gross Profit 8,206.77
Administrative Costs
Audit & Accountancy fees 606.00
Bank Fees 160.00
Charitable and Political Donations 0.00
Cleaning 0.00
General Expenses 630.00
Insurance 10,632.55
IT Software and Consumables 507.50
Light, Power, Heating 13,850.99
Minister's Expenses 3,475.97
Pensions Costs 5,827.20
Repairs & Maintenance 4,810.00
Staff Training 1,800.00
Telephone & Internet 483.96
Total Administrative Costs 42,784.17
Operating Profit (34,577.40)
Other Income
Building Dilapidation 80,000.00
External Grants 27,817.74
Total Other Income 107,817.74
Profit on Ordinary Activities 73,240.34
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the trustees/ MONTON UNITARIAN CHURCH members of On accounts for the year 31/12/2023 Charity no 1199569 ended (if any) Set out on pages 3

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 /12 /2023 .

Responsibilities and As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):		19/12/2024

	CAROLYN CULLEN

	INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF ENGLAND & WALES (ICAEW)

October 2018

IER

Address:

5 HAWTHORN AVENUE

ECCLES, MANCHESTER

M30 9NE

Section B

Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

October 2018

IER

Receipts & Expenditure Account

Monton Unitarian Church

For the year ended 31 December 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Cost of Sales
Direct Expenses 1,365.00
Direct Wages 24,680.27
Warden Costs 2,530.00
Gardening 6,515.00
Total Cost of Sales 35,090.27
Gross Profit 8,206.77
Administrative Costs
Audit & Accountancy fees 606.00
Bank Fees 160.00
Charitable and Political Donations 0.00
Cleaning 0.00
General Expenses 630.00
Insurance 10,632.55
IT Software and Consumables 507.50
Light, Power, Heating 13,850.99
Minister's Expenses 3,475.97
Pensions Costs 5,827.20
Repairs & Maintenance 4,810.00
Staff Training 1,800.00
Telephone & Internet 483.96
Total Administrative Costs 42,784.17
Operating Profit (34,577.40)
Other Income
Building Dilapidation 80,000.00
External Grants 27,817.74
Total Other Income 107,817.74
Profit on Ordinary Activities 73,240.34
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